Immunology of the Cervix

The human body is under constant attack from a wide variety of microbial pathogens. The immune system has evolved to limit infection and allow rapid clearance where these pathogens have been allowed to infect the host.  There are two types of immune response: innate and adaptive.

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The first line of defence against any pathogen is the innate immune response.  This is present from birth and incorporates physical barriers and both general and specific cellular defences.  An innate immune response is immediate and does not require recognition of the invading pathogen, but it is non-specific, which can allow repeated re-infection without the development of an immunological memory.

If a pathogen can successfully evade attack by the host innate immune system, the pathogen may be detected by the components of the adaptive immune response.  Humoral immunity, otherwise known as antibody-mediated immunity, uses B-cells, which release antibodies against foreign molecules (antigens).  After an infection has been cleared, the humoral immune response may create an immunological memory, which enables a more rapid response the next time the pathogen is encountered.

A second adaptive immune response, cell-mediated immunity, uses T-cells.  These cells recognise and bind to infected host cells, either destroying them directly or releasing chemicals that attract other immune cells to perform this function.  If infected cells are destroyed rapidly and efficiently, the infection cannot spread and become persistent.  The cell-mediated immune response also supports the humoral response, and leads to the development of an immunological memory to help prevent re-infection.  Defence against infection with most viruses requires cell-mediated immunity.

Read more on Innate immunity, Humoral immunity, Cell-mediated immunity and Immunology in relation to HPV.